How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in California
Many individuals in California currently have bench, arrest, and search warrants issued against them without their knowledge. These warrants could result from many minor or major violations or criminal offenses.
Whatever the cause, addressing any outstanding warrants is essential to avoid making matters worse. Your first step to clearing your warrant is determining whether you have one. Here’s more on how to find out you have a warrant and common reasons the judge may issue one.
How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant
Here is a breakdown of the following methods for searching for warrants:
Search Online
Performing an online search is the easiest and most convenient way to find out if you have a warrant. You can do this in several different ways, including the following:
- Searching your name on org and selecting the county you reside in
- You can request your criminal history record on the Office of the Attorney General’s website
- Search your name on the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office website
- Visit the Contra Costa County Superior Court of California’s website
Why You Should Find Out if You Have a Warrant
If you believe you have a warrant issued against you, you should find out on your own terms. The last thing you want is for police to show up at your residence or office, search you, and arrest you on-site.
You may think that you would’ve been notified if you had a warrant. However, law enforcement purposefully does not inform individuals when a warrant is issued against them for fear they may flee and dodge an arrest or search.
Any type of warrant issued against you will appear in criminal background checks, which could prevent you from future job opportunities or securing stable housing. It would be wise to ensure that you have no outstanding warrants before applying for a new job or housing.
Reasons You Might Have a Warrant
Warrants could be issued for various reasons, from federal allegations to unpaid parking tickets. You might have a warrant because of the following:
- Failing to appear in court
- Failing to pay a fine
- Allegedly committing a crime
- Failing to follow court orders
These are just some of the many reasons you could have a warrant, and each warrant is different. You could have a bench warrant, an arrest warrant, or a search warrant. Each of these warrants gives law enforcement the power to perform specific actions. You should discuss your warrant with an attorney to understand its full scope.
What to Do if You Have a Warrant
After discovering you have a warrant, you should try to clear it as soon as possible. You can do this in the following ways:
- You can clear your warrant voluntarily, which may result in a lower bail amount or less severe punishments
- Paying any fees
- Agreeing to participate in rehabilitation programs
- Setting up a payment plan
Arrested in Oakland, CA? Call Today
Once you find out you have a warrant, your immediate next step should be contacting an Oakland criminal defense lawyer capable of clearing it promptly. They may challenge the warrant’s validity and represent your case to defend you against any alleged charges outlined in the document.
Law enforcement may have gone beyond the warrant’s scope, or other police misconduct might have occurred. Whatever the case, the team at Morris Law will analyze your charges and explain your defense options. Call Morris Law today at (510) 225-9955 to schedule your free consultation.
